The objective of this paper is to report the perception of signs and the causes identified by surviving women of the near miss process in the pregnant-delivery cycle. The theoretical framework was based on medical anthropology concepts. Data collection was carried out through interviews arranged as narratives by 13 women who were in an intensive care unit and analyzed according to oral history procedures. During the period of near miss occurrences, the women realized that "something was wrong" and reported their difficulties in obtaining care. They complained about the care received. They pointed out a lack of clarification and orientation concerning their treatment and how to deal with adverse situations during pregnancy. This study concludes that the majority of these women were victims of a lack of knowledge about their own health situation, which led them to search for care only when their clinical status demanded emergency procedures.